Recently, Microsoft announced its support for the addition of Microsoft’s exFAT technology to the Linux kernel.

Microsoft-developed file system, exFAT is utilized in Windows and in several storage devices like SD Cards and USB flash drives.

Microsft said that it is making Microsoft’s technical specification for exFAT publicly available in order to help the development of conformant, interoperable implementations.

Source: Microsoft

Microsoft also wants the eventual incorporation of a Linux kernel with exFAT support in a future revision of the Open Invention Network’s Linux System Definition, "where, once accepted, the code will benefit from the defensive patent commitments of OIN’s 3040+ members and licensees."